How to eliminate the HubComputing adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is HubComputing?
HubComputing is a rogue application discovered by our researchers while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to be AdLoad malware family.
HubComputing adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These ads primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of the adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular sites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether HubComputing displays adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker capabilities, although we did not observe these functionalities while testing this rogue application.
HubComputing likely gathers private information. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, advertising-supported software like HubComputing may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by HubComputing |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CA [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
We have investigated numerous adware samples; ConferenceTrader, FormatDash, MountainVibe, and MachineChance are just some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various useful and advantageous functionalities. However, the promised features are usually fake and nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did HubComputing install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on deceptive/scam sites. Users typically access these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware is spread through intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HubComputing, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once HubComputing adware's installation is over:
HubComputing adware's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is HubComputing?
- STEP 1. Remove HubComputing related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HubComputing ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HubComputing adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HubComputing ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HubComputing adware using Combo Cleaner:
HubComputing adware removal:
Remove HubComputing-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.
After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HubComputing adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. The remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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